Music: {allcanada} Canadian women set for China friendly

The Canadian women's team host China on Wednesday in Moncton in its first international friendly since falling 3-1 to Sweden on March 31.

After training in a Vancouver residency camp to prepare for the 2012 Games, the women have been working hard to iron out some of the kinks that were made abundantly clear in a 4-0 lashing by the United States in Olympic qualifying and the recent loss to Sweden.

Wednesday programming alert: Watch Canada host China in Moncton in an international women's soccer friendly live on Sportsnet ONE. Coverage begins at 7pm ET.

Although Canada's qualifying campaign was overall successful (the loss to the Americans, notwithstanding) the level of competition in London will be of a higher calibre. The increasing parity in the women's game means that a number of nations at the tournament could be considered "tier one" teams and podium contenders. So with less than two months to go, that very evident gap between seventh-ranked Canada and the likes of Japan, the U.S., and France needs to be bridged -- and fast.

Wednesday's game comes at a perfect time in Canada's preparation. The players have been together since April, which means the outcome against China will provide a very accurate measuring stick to determine the progress of the Canadian women. China may not be competing in London, nor is there a medal to be won in Moncton, but this is still very much a game where the result matters.

The loss to Sweden in March was one coach John Herdman and his team could swallow. That game was more about the process; an opportunity to try out different tactics, formations, and players against some high quality competition.

But as the Olympics draw closer the stakes grow higher. Right now, this team needs both a clear indication of improvement and to walk away with a win. With those two things they'll get a very necessary dose of confidence and assurance that they're on the right track to achieving their goals in London.

China

This is a key match-up for Canada because it's a chance to play against a team that is very similar to their first and possibly most ominous challenge at the Olympics. Canada meets reigning world champion Japan in its opening group-stage match in London. China is by no-means as talented or dynamic as Japan, but they do play a style of football typical of many Asian countries. It's a style characterized by a lot of short, sophisticated passes, technical ability and cleverness on the ball.

China will be very well organized and very patient. They'll attempt to draw the Canadian defenders out to pressure and then slip the ball in behind or over the top of the backline for strikers to run onto. Practise dealing with this kind of attack will be excellent preparation for dealing with Japan in July.

Canada

Luckily for Canada, after many years in charge of New Zealand, Herdman has a lot of experience coaching against Asian football nations. Canada's coach will be very familiar with the tendencies of his opponents.

Defensively, Canada will want to put more players behind the ball in order to avoid being stretched by China's crafty passing and movement off the ball. Defenders will need to have their head on a swivel, looking out for those quick runs in behind and cut off the passing angles for distribution from China's midfielders.

Offensively the challenge will be to transition quickly out of what may be a fairly heavy-handed defensive approach. The Canadian strikers will need to work well off of each other, making calculated runs and providing clear options to receive balls both at their feet and in behind the defence.

Predictions

Where Canada will undoubtedly have the greatest advantage is set pieces. Size alone should make the difference, but as a team with the Olympics in mind -- compared to China, a team attempting to rebuild its program -- determination to attack and win everything in the 18 yard-box should be a huge factor for the Canada. At this stage in Canada's Olympic preparation it's time to start showing that they have the kind of heart and tenacity that will be a pre-requisite for any kind of success in London.

Canada should be the fitter team. I expect them to score early, but failing that, their athleticism and conditioning will allow them to wear China down over 90 minutes.

Changes to Canada's roster

Defender Shannon Woeller, a stalwart for Canada in qualifying, has been left off the roster in place of returning centre-back Emily Zurrer.

Goalkeeper Karina Leblanc is recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in training, so it's certain that Erin McLeod will start in goal.

Joining McLeod in her return to training camp from their respective clubs in Sweden will be Melissa Tancredi, Sophie Schmidt, and Christina Julien. Likely in an effort to assimilate these players back into the team, Herdman will want them all to see action.

Jonelle Filigno, an offensive threat that Canada sorely missed during the qualifiers, has recovered from injury and will likely play a role in supporting Christine Sinclair in the attack.